LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research presented at this week's
Experimental Biology 2013 conference indicates the power of cranberries is
broader than previously thought. Several new studies demonstrate the health
benefits of cranberry's chief bioactives, proanthocyanidins (PACs), and other
polyphenols on a wide variety of cell types within the human body and point to
the exceptional benefit of cranberry PACs in multiple forms, including juice,
dried and supplemented powder beverage.
From urinary tract and immune function support to improved cardiometabolic
profiles, new research presented at this week's Experimental Biology 2013
supports the cranberry's whole body health benefits. For more information, visit
www.cranberryhealth.com. (Photo: Business Wire)
"The body of evidence supporting health benefits from phytonutrients is rapidly
mounting," said Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, Director, Antioxidants Research
Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts
University. "It is time to clearly identify the cranberry bioactives at work and
to quantify how many milligrams of PACs and polyphenols we need in a day. We may
not have a clear recommended daily allowance for PACs like we have for vitamin
C, for example, but we should press ahead to a better understanding of their
mechanisms and the amount needed in a day for overall better health."

Professor Blumberg was among the speakers at an Ocean Spray sponsored dinner
preceding the conference which brought together members of the scientific and
health communities to discuss the wide range of cranberry health benefits and
implications for the upcoming 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Cardiometabolic Health

Among the studies highlighted at the conference and the preceding event was
emerging research linking consumption of cranberry juice cocktail (CJC) to
better cardiometabolic profiles.1 An observational study conducted in
collaboration with the University of North Carolina using the CDC National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data found that adolescents
(ages 12-18 years) and adults (19+ years of age) who drink an average of two
glasses (14 fl. oz.) over two non-consecutive days have better cardiometabolic
profiles than those who do not consume CJC. In this study, adolescent and adult
CJC consumers had significantly higher intakes of total polyphenols and
proanthocyanidins from drinking CJC, which have proven health-promoting
benefits. Each group also demonstrated significantly lower body weight and waist
circumference, were less likely to be overweight and demonstrated lower odds of
having high C-reactive protein levels, a marker of inflammation. Additionally,
adolescent CJC consumers demonstrated significantly lower fasting glucose and
better lipid profiles, including lower odds of high total cholesterol and high
LDLs, indicating that while CJC must be sweetened to be palatable, it can be
part of a healthy lifestyle with a potential positive effect on overall
cardiometabolic health.

"These health benefits may be due to higher polyphenol intake from the cranberry
bioactives," said Lisa Sutherland, PhD, Principal, LA Sutherland group, who led
the observational study. "While these data are preliminary, we believe something
as simple as adding a serving of cranberry juice cocktail to the diet could help
support a healthy lifestyle."

In a double blind placebo controlled randomized trial presented at American
Heart Association meetings last year by researchers at USDA Human Nutrition
Center at Beltsville, consumption of a low calorie CJC also resulted in
significant lowering of the C reactive protein in the group drinking CJC
compared to placebo.2 Both studies, the randomized clinical trial and the
observational study, clearly support each other's findings.

"We are excited by these findings, because they suggest people who enjoy
cranberry juice cocktail, sweetened dried cranberries, or a mix of the two forms
on a regular basis can experience the same apparent benefits of a higher
polyphenolic diet," said Christina Khoo, PhD, Ocean Spray.

Urinary Tract Health

Further findings presented this week confirm the cranberry's urinary tract
health benefits. A new study conducted in collaboration with Rutgers University
found that a polyphenol rich cranberry powder offers the same bacterial
anti-adhesion effect as CJC, suggesting that polyphenol bioactives are important
in preventing unwanted pathogens, like Escherichia coli, from entering cells in
the bladder.4 This effect is thought to contribute to urinary tract health,
potentially translating to fewer urinary tract infections, which are believed to
cost patients $500 million in prescription drug costs each year.

Immunity

Rounding out the research at this week's conference were findings supporting the
growing body of research linking cranberry consumption to improved immunity.
Research from Susan Percival, PhD, and her team at the University of Florida,
Gainesville, confirms that cranberry PACs and polyphenols interact with pathogen
recognition receptors on innate immune cells.5 The results of the study suggest
that cranberry PACs activate a signaling pathway that ultimately allows for an
enhanced response to an immune challenge.

Additionally, two studies from the University of Wisconsin scientists provide
further evidence that cranberry bioactives not only play an important role in
supporting immune function,6 but also provide more insight on how these
compounds prevent bacterial adhesion and infection of cells in the gut.7 In the
first study, the researchers provided cranberry powder to 10 human study
participants for one week. The study results suggest that the cranberry powder-
amounting to 38 mg PAC equivalents per day - has a meaningful impact on the
urinary proteins profile. Specifically, the supplementation resulted in the
statistically significant lowering of eight urinary peptides tied to regulation
of immune responses and tumorigenesis.8 In the cell study, treatment of cells
with cranberry actives resulted in an inhibition of the ability of the
uropathogenic bacteria to invade the cells, potentially leading to decreased
number of uropathogens that can infect the body.9

"Ultimately, from in vitro to epidemiological and clinical evidence, we continue
to have new and emerging data pointing towards the exceptional ability of
cranberries to support whole body health," added Dr. Khoo. "There are
significant opportunities to move forward the discussion around cranberry
polyphenols' contribution to health, and we're confident that this type of
research and dialogue will continue to support our long-term hypothesis that
cranberries are an important part of a daily balanced diet and healthy
lifestyle."

For more information about the whole body health benefits of cranberries or to
review the abstracts highlighted above, visit www.cranberryhealth.com.

About Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray is a vibrant agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700
cranberry and grapefruit growers in the United States, Canada, and Chile who
have helped preserve the family farming way of life for generations. Formed in
1930, Ocean Spray is now the world's leading producer of cranberry juices, juice
drinks and dried cranberries, and is the best-selling brand in the bottled juice
category. The cooperative's cranberries are currently featured in more than
1,000 great-tasting, good-for-you products in over 50 countries worldwide. With
more than 2,000 employees and nearly 20 cranberry receiving and processing
facilities, Ocean Spray is committed to managing our business in a way that
respects our communities, employees and the environment. In fiscal year 2012,
Ocean Spray posted record-high gross sales of $2.2 billion and net proceeds of
$338 million.

Articles featured in Life Extension Daily News are derived from a variety of news
sources and are provided as a service by Life Extension. These articles, while of
potential interest to readers of Life Extension Daily News, do not necessarily represent
the opinions nor constitute the advice of Life Extension.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.